Christine's Story: How A Granddaughter's Promise Started

In 2004, Christine found herself a full time caregiver to her precious grandmother, Sally Werra. When Sally was diagnosed with dementia and began to decline, she required a higher level of care. Christine  

searched for assistance, guidance, and direction, but to no avail. Left on her own, she looked for the best living option. With no experience, this was a daunting task. After searching, she spent a considerable amount of time making sure a stunningly beautiful assisted living facility, was the best choice for her grandmother.

After admitting her grandmother, Chrstine was told to allow Sally an acclimation period for at least 30 days without a visit. Ignoring her instinct, Christine trusted the advice of the facility's leadership and with closed eyes and choking back tears, kissed Sally and walked away.

Christine called daily and was reassured that her grandmother was wonderful, but a small voice told her otherwise. Following her heart to make an unannounced visit to the assisted living facility, she walked into a completely different environment from where she left her grandmother.

Sally, who walked in the facility taking baby aspirin and Aricept, was slumped over in a wheel chair barely able to communicate. Christine grabbed her held her close, stroking her head, she found seven staples in her head, and bruises covering her body.

After locating a caregiver and facing the administrator, Christine was told in a matter of fact manner, that Sally had fallen. She was informed they had left a message. After requesting and reviewing Sally’s charts, she discovered her grandmother was terribly over medicated. She was informed, “it is a patient’s right to fall.”

When Christine returned Sally to her room to clean her up, she discovered there were clear teeth impressions melted deeply into a bar of pink soap. Seeing the burns around Sally’s mouth, Canavan called the police. Sally was taken to the hospital and lost her life shortly after to seven counts of abuse and neglect.

Sitting in her kitchen among her grandmother's photos, something in Christine’s spirit ignited. Although she had no clue how, she was going to be Sally’s voice and the voice of the only minority we all become – the elderly. Hence, "A Granddaughter's Promise" was born.

Christine is recognized as a matriarch of senior living advisors for the State of Florida since 2004 when she followed her calling after losing her grandmother. Christine has positively impacted thousands of families by ensuring hands on help with finding the best living options.